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Mt. Mabilog | Searching for the Seven Lakes

Mt. Mabilog is situated in the Laguna. This mountain measures 441 MASL
and serves as the boundary of the towns of San Pablo and Nagcarlan,
Laguna. This mountain lies and surrounded by the legendary lakes, which
adds an amazing views from the summit. This mountain is smaller than the
Mounts Banahaw and Cristobal, but contains gorgeous background. It’s part of our Batang
Hamog Climb for the Independence 2014.

Preparing ourselves, after getting
off the jeepney. This spot serves as the parking area for those people who want to visit Pandin
Lake. It's wide and open and just beside the highway. Next part was the pathway going to Lake. Pathways are constructed by the residents houses.

We arrived at Pandin Lake at
around three forty in the afternoon. From afar, the lake looks like a mirror on the ground that captures a perfect image
of the sky. The area is surrounded by trees, coconut and other plants,
perfect
for relaxation and everything is natural. The ambiance in the area is
cool, the air is fresh, and the
water is clear; everything is so pristine and clean. We spent few hours
and had our lunch break at the same spot. Reminder: Wash rooms are
available, accessories and food are also for sale.

We left Pandin Lake at around 4:37PM and started trekking. The trail class of Mt.
Mabilog got a two over nine rating, so it’s perfect for the people who are
looking for a relaxing hiking experience. The first part of the trail is
well-established which serves as the trail of the locals and their horses to
transport local products.

The
summit of Mabilog has a wide area that can accommodate several tents. It also has a
perfect view of Mounts Banahaw and Cristobal from afar. The summits of these
two giant mountains are hiding by the clouds. The lakes are like mirror with the
gorgeous reflection of the sun set. The wind is fresh, cool and relaxing.

Upon reaching Mount Mabilogs’ summit,
we took few minutes rest and started pitching our tents while the others were
preparing our sumptuous dinner. We camped overnight on the summit and same old
routine, with a lot of stories and surprises; literally it was a long night
with laughter welcoming our two new found friends from Israel. We talked about everything under and over the sun. We
also celebrated Ginger's birthday at 12 mid night, then
continued with our socials. I think it was already 3AM when we stopped
the celebration.

Cows, horses and goats spread in
the area, so expect for animal poops. During our overnight stay, I got insect
and ant bites on my skin, so insect repellent is advisable. There were dogs
visiting the summit, so make sure that your leftover are stored properly. Remember the “Leave No Trace” attitude.

I slept for only two hours then
woke up at around five thirty in the morning. Prepared our breakfast and
started descent to Pandin Lake. Had an hour break by the lake. This time we
were able to blend with the locals and discover their culture. The proceeded to our next destination -> Bunga Falls.

We arrived at Bunga Falls at around twelve thirty in the afternoon. The areas was cool,
has fresh air, the rock formations were totally amazing. The area was
not crowded. It is surrounded by trees that
gives a relaxing feeling. It’s
not yet the end of our adventure, when we’re all done fixing ourselves we
headed back to Bunga falls parking area and proceeded to our last destination,
the famous and old Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.

From Bunga falls, it was
almost an hour travel to Nagcarlan. It was almost sunset and the caretaker was
about to close the gate when we arrived but we talked to him if we can still
enter. When he said YES, we hurriedly entered the gate, registered and entered the
underground cemetery. Museum Policy applies. More photos and its history, click here: Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. After this, we proceeded to San Pablo, Laguna Stop Light. Waited for bus bound for Manila.